Back-to-school shopping means big bucks

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Black Friday, Christmas Eve, and back to school shopping?

It may surprise some but back-to-school shopping is the second most important season to retailers.

Not only does it bring in the second biggest profit next to Christmas season but Purdue Professor of Retail Management Richard Feinberg says it allows retailers to predict how much money consumers are going to spend during the holidays.

"It's not that consumers will spend a lot of money on back to school and have no money for holiday spending. It turns out if they spend a lot on back to school they will also spend a lot during Christmas season," Feinberg said.

With a couple of weeks until school begins, stores are already stocking their shelves with notebooks, pens and other school supplies.

"Schools are requiring more merchandise for students to come prepared with and that has led to demand in the stores, so don't be surprised to see stores stocking up on supplies. It may seem too early to start thinking about school supplies but school supply season is here," Feinberg said.

That demand has the National Retail Federation predicting $84 billion being spent on school supplies nationally. Feinberg predicts about two billion dollars will be spent just in Indiana.

"Parents want their kids to go to school with the stuff that they need to be successful, so they will do whatever they have to in order for their kids to have those supplies," Feinberg said.

Feinberg said the economy and unemployment are having a big impact on families being able to afford school supplies.

For that reason, WLFI and the Salvation Army of Lafayette teamed up for the Tools for School program providing free school supplies to children in need that attend school in Tippecanoe and Benton county.

Major Jim Irvine with the Salvation Army in Lafayette said the drive will help hundreds of families this school year.

"Buying the backpack and buying the notebook is a challenge so we're trying to help people so their students, their children can be ready for that first day of school," Irvine said.

In order to get free school supplies Irvine said parents must bring a picture I.D., social security cards for each household member, and proof of family income.

For those interested in donating to the Tools for School program donations may be dropped off at any participating Regions Bank, Subway, Pay Less Super Market, Sigma Medical Group or The Salvation Army.

Irvine said so far many items have been donated since the drive started July 23 but some items still needed are notebooks and disinfecting wipes.

Tools for School will be accepting school supplies through August 10.

Families who need assistance with school supplies this year should come to The Salvation Army on Saturday, August 11 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

If you would like more information about Tools for School, or would like to volunteer, please contact The Salvation Army at 765-742-0006.